Page 89 of The Noldrin Witch

“Thank you both,” Elise murmured, her gaze still clouded and her senses only just returning. She wished to have some privacy with Kurt, so she turned to Seth. “I’m feeling better. I would like to rest.”

The demon, however, appeared to misunderstand the request.

“She’s right, lordling,” the demon said. “It’s time for you to go.”

Kurt hummed. “You are the one who should leave. Last time I checked, she wanted to talk to me. One single kiss doesn’t make you her Prince Charming.”

“At least I’m able to satisfy her enough for her to use the stone,” Seth rasped.

“What?” Kurt frowned.

But before the conversation could develop into the confession Elise had already decided to make, a violent rap rattled her door.

“I hear men’s voices in there!” Fabian complained. “So that’s why you cut the celebration short today, you had your own little celebration planned, you wicked girl.”

Elise raised a finger to her lips, looking pleadingly at both Kurt and Seth.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. It must be Bruno,” Elise called weakly. “I apologize for the noise.”

“I’m not a fool!” Fabian replied through the door. “How many men do you have there?”

“It’s just me and Bruno, I swear.”

“Open the door!” Fabian barked. “I bet my boots the duke is there.” A jingle of keys made the three of them freeze.

Elise looked horrified at Kurt.

Thank the heavens he was as smart as he was handsome. He only needed a few seconds to come up with an escape idea.

“We’ll finish this later,” Kurt said as he went straight to the only window in the room. The opening was so small he had to squeeze his broad frame through it.

Elise heard a key slide into the lock. A cloud of smoke began to fill the room as Seth was preparing to leave as well.

“Please give me a year!” Elise whispered. “I promise I’ll work diligently.”

There was a brief flicker of what could have been disappointment in the demon’s gaze, but he nodded.

“Have it your way.”

Seth disappeared the moment a key turned in the lock. Seconds later, the door burst open.

Bruno began to caw so loudly that Fabian had to cover his ears.

“What is all this fiendish smoke doing in your room?” the fairy sputtered.

Elise let out a heavy breath. At least Fabian hadn’t caught either Kurt or Seth in her room.

Fabian searched the chamber with a suspicious frown. “Why is your window open at this hour of the night?”

“It’s for the vapors,” Elise said. “I was not faring well. They are a famous remedy among witches for restoring the humors. It was just too much emotion for me today.”

Elise was feeling more awake by then. She was relieved not to have given Fabian any more material for gossip. The fairy still seemed determined to lower her reputation. During the celebration, Fabian had been distant, and although she hadn’t paid much attention to it, it was now becoming clear that the man might still harbor some ill will toward her.

The fairy kept walking around Elise’s room, lifting the bedcovers, opening drawers, and peering out the window.

“Well, well,” he said. “Just because you completed the potion doesn’t make you immune to punishment for bad behavior. You are still under my rule.”

“Of course,” was all Elise said.